Arsenal target French striker, to join RVP, Podolski

Arsenal have opened talks for Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud.

According to a report in the Daily Mail (https://bit.ly/LPlXxn), Arsene Wenger instructed French-based scout Gilles Grimandi to compile a dossier on the French international striker.

Giroud, 25, is rated at £50million, but it is understood he has a £12.8m release clause.

Wenger has a few on his bench that have not worked out for him and who he could throw in to sweeten any deal – not least Marouane Chamakh.

Giroud scored 26 times as Montpellier won Ligue 1 but has already spoken with Bayern Munich, according to The Daily Mail report

Should Giroud come to the Emirates it would create a potent attacking force for the Gunners with Robin Van Persie and Lukas Podolski.